Cinnamon Roll Blondies combine the gooey, spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls with the chewy, buttery texture of blondies. Swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy glaze, these bars are an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Flavor: Enjoy all the flavors of a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make bar.
- Chewy and Gooey: These blondies are soft, moist, and absolutely decadent.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or as a sweet snack.
- Simple to Make: No yeast or rolling required—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Blondies:
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
Directions
Make the Blondie Batter:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Mix the Swirl Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until a thick paste forms.
Assemble the Blondies:
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the blondie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Add the Cinnamon Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a knife or toothpick.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spread the remaining blondie batter on top, smoothing it with a spatula.
Bake:
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly underbaked (it will firm up as it cools).
Make the Glaze:
- Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Finish the Blondies:
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the blondies have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 9-12 blondies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the glaze with a cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon swirl for extra warmth.
- Double the Cinnamon: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the blondie batter for a spiced base.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Freeze the blondies (glazed or unglazed) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
2. How do I prevent the blondies from being too dry?
Avoid overbaking. The center should be slightly underdone when you take them out, as they’ll continue to set while cooling.
3. Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 30-35 minutes.
5. What’s the best way to create a perfect swirl?
Use a toothpick or knife to make figure-eight patterns for an even, decorative swirl.
6. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes, dark brown sugar will add a richer, molasses-like flavor.
7. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the glaze enhances the flavor and gives the blondies a cinnamon roll-like finish.
9. How do I cut clean slices?
Let the blondies cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts.
10. Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be slightly denser.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Blondies are the ultimate dessert for cinnamon lovers. With their chewy blondie base, rich cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze, they’re a decadent treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a solo treat, these blondies are sure to impress. Give them a try today and enjoy a cinnamon-spiced twist on classic blondies!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Blondies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These cinnamon roll blondies are a dreamy fusion of two classic desserts: the rich, buttery texture of blondies and the warm, spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you want a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Blondies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Blondie Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until a paste forms.
- Assemble the Blondies:
- Spread the blondie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter and use a knife or skewer to swirl it through the top for a marbled effect.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until you achieve a pourable consistency.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cooled blondies. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Warm a piece in the microwave for a few seconds to recreate the fresh-from-the-oven taste.